2 deputies killed by gunman while eating at a restaurant

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TRENTON, Fla. — Two deputies were killed Thursday when a man walked up to them in a Florida restaurant while they were eating and opened fire, a Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said.

Sgt. Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey were eating at the Ace China restaurant in Trenton, a small town about 30 miles west of Gainesville.

The sheriff’s office initially said the gunman shot the deputies through a window from outside the restaurant, but spokesman Scott Tummond clarified that account Friday, saying the gunman was actually inside when he opened fire.

“Both our heroes had simply sat down to eat while on duty,” Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz said Thursday night. “There was no crime in progress, no disturbance.”

The deputies were in uniform and armed when they were shot, Tummond said, but they did not return fire.

“But I will say this. We’re not going to make this … a political issue. Other than the fact, what do you expect happens when you demonize law enforcement to the extent that it’s been demonized? Every type of hate, every type of putdown that you can think of.

“The only thing these men were guilty of was wanting to protect you and me.”

According to the department’s website, there are 14 full-time deputies in the patrol division.

“My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of the two @GCSOFlorida deputies (HEROES) who lost their lives in the line of duty today,” President Donald Trump tweeted.

Gov. Rick Scott asked Floridians to honor the fallen deputies and other law enforcement officers.

“May God bless those who work to keep our communities safe,” he tweeted.